Beware of Social Security Scam Calls from 518 Area Code

Social Security phone scams have been on the rise in recent years. Scammers are getting craftier with spoofing technology to manipulate caller IDs to show 518 area code, even if the calls are originating overseas. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it’s wise to be sceptical. In this article, we’ll break down how to spot a Social Security scam call and protect yourself.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically starts with an automated phone call showing 518 area code on your caller ID. The recorded message claims there is identity theft connected to your Social Security number, your benefits are being suspended, or some other urgent issue requires you to call back immediately.

If you call back, the scammer poses as an SSA agent or investigator. They confirm your name and Social Security number to sound legitimate. Then they claim that your Social Security number was used to open bank accounts illegally or is connected to criminal activity.

The scammer insists you need to move funds from your bank account to government accounts for safekeeping. Or you need to pay fines or fees to avoid legal consequences. If you provide banking info or payment, they will drain your accounts and steal your identity.

Tactics Used by Scammers

Caller ID Spoofing - Scammers use technology to manipulate the phone number that shows up on your caller ID. So calls can falsely display the SSA’s real customer service numbers or 518 area code.

Pose as SSA Employees - Scammers research the names of real SSA personnel to sound credible. They may cite fake badge numbers or office locations.

Threats and Urgency - Scammers use intimidation tactics, threats of legal action, or the suspension of your Social Security benefits. This is done to pressure you into immediate action without thinking it through.

Request Personal Information - The main goal is to get your Social Security number, banking details, or personal info to commit identity theft and drain your accounts.

Demand Payment - Scammers may insist you need to transfer funds or pay fines with unusual methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash transfers. A real government agency will never demand this.

How to Spot a Social Security Scam Call

Here are some red flags to help identify a Social Security scam call:

• Unsolicited Call or Robocall: The SSA will not contact you out of the blue asking for personal information or payment. Any call claiming there is an urgent problem with your SSA number is highly suspicious.

• Asks for Confidential Info: Scammers may already have your name and SSA number (which can be found online). But the SSA will never call asking you to confirm this or other confidential info like bank accounts.

• Threats or Intimidation: Scare tactics should be an immediate red flag. The SSA will not threaten to suspend your benefits or face imminent arrest if you do not pay fines on short notice.

• Odd Requests for Payment: Government agencies will not demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or other unusual methods. This is always a scam.

• Follows a Robocall: If an unsolicited robocall prompts you to return the call, it’s nearly guaranteed to be a scam attempt. The SSA will not contact you this way.

How to Report Social Security Scam Calls

If you receive a suspicious call that you believe is a Social Security scam, take these steps:

• Hang Up Immediately: Do not provide any personal information or engage with suspected scammers. Hang up right away.

• Contact the SSA: Call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to verify if the call was legitimate. Use the customer service number listed on ssa.gov rather than a number provided by the caller.

• Report the Scam Call: File a complaint with the SSA Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call their fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271. Reporting scams helps authorities identify fraud trends and build cases against scammers.

• Check Your Credit Report: Request your free annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com. Review it for any signs of suspicious activity or accounts opened without your authorization. Consider putting a credit freeze in place to protect your identity.

• Warn Others: Alert your friends, family members, and neighbors about the scam call so they are aware if they receive the same. Especially warn elderly relatives who may be more vulnerable to SSA scams.

By recognizing the red flags and knowing how to report Social Security scam calls, you can protect yourself and help cut off scammers’ access to victims. Being vigilant about scams originating from the 518 area code or anywhere else will go a long way in safeguarding your identity and assets. Don’t hesitate to utilize trustworthy resources like local consumer protection agencies if you have any uncertainty about a supposed call from the government.

Make sure to check out our other scam guides.